Del Norte -

Pete E. Ruybal, a cherished father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2024, in Del Norte, Colorado, at the age of 95. Born on July 20, 1928, in Chama, New Mexico, Pete's life was a testament to his intelligence, creativity, and courage.

Pete's early years in Chama, New Mexico and Southern Colorado laid the foundation for a life of service and adventure. He answered the call of duty and served his country with distinction in the United States Army/Air Force as a firefighter, marked by dedication and bravery. He later worked for the Department of Defense at Hill Field Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, as a missile technician. His contributions were not only recognized by those he worked with, but also immortalized in the book "Command & Control," which recounts when Pete and his team were tasked to secure nuclear weapons, both here in the United States and abroad. After a long and honorable career, he retired from the Department of Defense in 1987.

Beyond his military service and work with the government, Pete was a man of many talents and interests. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing, hunting, gardening, prospecting, and carpentry. There wasn't a challenge he couldn't meet, a testament to his resourceful and determined spirit.

Pete's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his son Rodney, his daughter Rhonda (Jim) Snarr, and his brother Gilbert. His life was enriched by the joy and laughter of his grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Corissa, Taggart, Emma, Danykah, Kyuss, and Ila Ruybal, as well as Collins Staples, Aidan D. Hance, and Talon Snarr. Pete also had three great grandchildren, Luka, Eliza and Archie. His dear friends Debbie Brewer and Linda Atencio also survive him. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelio and Adela Ruybal, his brothers John F. Ruybal and Cristobal Roybal, and his sisters Irene Medina, Bertha Ruybal, Bernita Sanchez.

Pete's intelligence shone through in every aspect of his life, from his strategic thinking in his military career to his creative problem-solving in his hobbies. His creativity was most apparent in his carpentry and gardening, where he brought beauty and life to everything he touched. His courage, a defining trait, was not just in the face of danger but also in his willingness to embrace life's challenges with a steadfast heart.

A memorial graveside service will be held on Pete's birthday. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Del Norte Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Dunkel officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in the care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Pete's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com